New & Expanding Businesses:

Campus Class

By Pamela Grady

Brian Bogert, Court Rouche and local investor Kristen Ciesielski have openedSeven47, a contemporary bar and casual dining restaurant at 747 Asp Ave. at Campus Corner in Norman.

Bogert, a Norman resident who attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said the chic, contemporary clubs near SMU in the Highland Park area of Dallas somewhat inspired the Seven47

He also owns the Texadelphia eatery in Norman off Lindsey and Roueche previously managing that restaurant.

Consuming 6, 800 square feet of retail space, Seven47 is considerably larger than other eateries/bars at Campus Corner, seating 440 people, and is a more upscale venue than has been typical of the just adjacent to the University of Oklahoma campus in the past.

At the entrance hangs a hand-blown chandelier designed by Craig Klingan and the main dinning rooms boasts 16 pieces of contemporary art by local artist Brian Palmer.

Other features of the new business include a VIP Vault room with a circular table that seats 20 and plasma television for sports o business news; an out-door patio at the back of the restaurant with seating for about 14; low candle light and fire-place; a lounge area with modern furniture; LED lighting throughout the bar; and glass-drop globes hanging from the ceiling.

Still under construction is an outdoor venue adjacent to the main building which will seat about 12 tables when finished.

The menu is not typical pub-grub or college fare and includes a variety of items such as Thai Chicken Skewer Lettuce Wraps, Seven47 Onion Soup, Ultimate Chicken Fried Chicken, Smoked Turkey Panini and Seven47 Banana Spilt.

“People have told us they feel as though they’re out of Norman when they come through the door,” said Ciesielski. “And the word has gotten out that we have really good food and not just bar food.”

She added the business has hired nearly 100 employees and is hoping to attract a good mix of patrons, including college students, but, hopefully, business executives and adults in their 30s and 40s, as well.

Restaurant hours are 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Sunday brunch.